ASEC and Partners in the Philippines are hosting the ASEAN Conference on Prosperity through Solidarity in Manila, May 20-22, 2026
Accelerating SSE-SDGs in ASEAN
As the Philippines assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026, the Philippines National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) faces a strategic imperative: to transition the narrative of poverty alleviation from “social welfare” to “inclusive economic integration.
In this context, the UN resolutions (A/RES/77/281 and A/C.2/79/L.22/Rev.1) which recognized the potential of social and solidarity economy (SSE) as a key driver for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly by promoting decent work, reducing inequalities, and fostering social transformation sets the base for this transition from social welfare to SSE.
The ASEAN SDG-SSE Roadmap which was launched in Malaysia in 2025 also provides the foundational framework for SSE organisations playing a major role in localising SDGs and in empowering local communities.
It is significant to note that unlike traditional conferences limited to dialogue, this event is designed to launch a functional ecosystem. It will unveil the People’s Bayanihan Fund, a pioneering proposal for a “Public – Private – Community” partnership that can provide a working mechanism to enhance microfinance services.
This can help operationalize RA 8425 (The Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act), particularly supporting the NAPC’s People’s Development Trust Fund (PDTF). A combination of capacity building with private capital from Rural Banks and market guarantees from Local Government Units (LGUs) will present a replicable model for inclusive social and economic growth in the Philippines and across all of ASEAN.
The conference “A Flagship ASEAN 2026 Economic Pillar” is to be held at Quezon City Mice Center from May 20 – 22, 2026 with the theme Navigating the Future: The Social and Solidarity Economy as a Driver of ASEAN Prosperity.
For more details please contact : Dr Ben Quinones Jr | Email: benquinonesjr@gmail.com